Emergency scrotal exploration in children: Is it time for a change in mindset in the UK?

Introduction: Acute scrotal pain is a common problem in children. Amongst the various causes, only testicular torsion (TT) needs urgent, and arguably any, surgical intervention. However TT accounts for only approximately 25% of cases. The diagnosis of TT is currently based mainly on history and clinical examination in the UK.

Objective: We sought to find the incidence of finding TT during emergency scrotal exploration in four paediatric surgical centres in the UK. We also assessed the preoperative utilisation of clinical risk scores and Doppler ultrasound (DUS) to aid in the diagnosis.

Patients and methods: A retrospective review of 50 consecutive scrotal explorations done for acute scrotal pain at four tertiary pediatric surgical centres in 2019, including the preoperative utilisation of DUS, was analysed. Additionally an online survey was also sent out to consultant members of the British Association of Paediatric Urology to gauge their threshold for exploration, use of preoperative investigations and incidence of finding TT in their practice.

Results: In the four UK centres reviewed, TT was found in 24.5% (SD = 8.54) of explorations. The overall utilisation of preoperative DUS was 10%. The online survey revealed a low threshold for exploration. However 72% of respondents recalled finding TT in <50% of explorations, with just over a third reporting finding TT in only 10% of explorations. There was low utilisation of preoperative DUS and clinical risk scores.

Discussion: The incidence of finding TT during exploration in this cohort is the same as the incidence of TT in a population of children presenting with acute scrotal pain. We hypothesise that this is due to low accuracy of clinical assessment, low utilisation of preoperative clinical and radiological aids and the practice of exploring torted testicular appendages. Improving awareness and training in these modalities will increase diagnostic accuracy, limiting emergency scrotal explorations to those children with a higher risk of testicular torsion. A care pathway for children presenting with acute scrotal pain is suggested () CONCLUSIONS: There is a low incidence of finding testicular torsion during paediatric scrotal explorations in the UK. There is low preoperative utilisation of clinical risk scores and Doppler ultrasound, which if utilised, could improve diagnostic accuracy.